Whitecaps FC midfielder Russell Teibert called up to Canadian men's national team camp

The Canadian Soccer Association announced on Friday that Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Russell Teibert has been called up to Canada’s senior men’s national team for an upcoming camp in the United States.

“I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for Russell because he’s a player who has had a phenomenal attitude all the way through his youth,” said Colin Miller, interim Canadian men's national team head coach. “I’m looking forward to seeing the young lad kick on this season with the Whitecaps and hopefully he does very well for Canada here in these two internationals… I know how much it means to him to play for Canada.”

The camp will run from January 19 to 30 in Arizona and Texas. In that time Canada will play matches against Denmark on January 26 at 12 p.m. PT in Tucson, Arizona, and against the United States on January 29 at 6 p.m. PT in Houston, Texas.

The January 29 friendly against the United States will be broadcast in Canada on Sportsnet at 6 p.m. PT.

Teibert, 20, heads into his third MLS season with Whitecaps FC after graduating from the club’s Residency program in 2010. During his first two seasons in MLS, Teibert has made 15 appearances, starting six matches. In 2012, the Niagara Falls, Ontario, native made four MLS appearances, starting one match. Additionally, Teibert started all nine of his appearances in the MLS Reserve League, recording two assists.

This will be Teibert’s second camp with the senior men’s national team after first being called up in August, 2012.

Also invited to the camp are three players who are taking part in preseason training with Whitecaps FC, including: goalkeeper Simon Thomas, defender Andres Fresenga, and midfielder Evan James.

Additionally, four former members of Whitecaps FC are on the 22-man roster: defender Mason Trafford, midfielders Philippe Davies and Terry Dunfield, and striker Kyle Porter.

Miller - a former Whitecaps FC assistant coach - has stated that the camp will provide an important opportunity to assess the ‘future’ of the Canadian team.

“One of our key objectives for this camp is to look towards the future and give some of our young players a chance,” said Miller.

“It is important for us to take a step forward during the camp and over the course of the next two matches. We expect the young players to come in very hungry and looking to show well for the future of the men’s national team.”

With an average age of just under 25, this is the youngest Canadian team to be assembled since May 2006.

Ten players have earned their first call-up to the men’s national team. Eight players featured in Canada’s men’s U-23 team at the 2012 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament.

Mason Trafford is taking part in his first national team camp at any age level.

Dwayne De Rosario, Nik Ledgerwood, Lars Hirschfeld and Tosaint Ricketts are the only players on the roster to have taken part in game action during 2012’s CONCACAF third round of FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 Qualifiers™.

Following the January camp in USA, Canada has confirmed that it will take on Japan in a Men’s International Friendly on March 22 in Doha, Qatar as the team continues its preparations for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup to take place in USA in July.